Argos running back Robert Edwards didn't exactly pop off at his former team yesterday.

It was more a case of Popp-ing off.

Try as he might to disguise it, Edwards couldn't resist a shot at Montreal Alouettes general manager/coach Jim Popp.

The two teams begin a home-and-home series tonight at the Rogers Centre that should go a long way in settling second place in the CFL East.

These were the type of games Edwards thrived on during his two seasons with the Als. Now he has a chance to do more than just help the Argos offence continue on what has been a slow road to respectability.

"I just want to show openly to everybody that I'm not that guy that I was portrayed (to be)," Edwards said yesterday. "That I miss blocks, that I fumble and all the things that were said about me."

Edwards was released by the Als in August after back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. The emergence of Jarrett Payton was one reason, but so was a growing rift with Popp.

Edwards was particularly effective against the Argos, most notably the 137 yards he rang up in winning the East final.

"My mom always told me if you do people wrong, wrong will follow you," when asked of the Als' recent struggles.

"I think that's the situation they are in now. Players have lost a little faith, confidence, in their leadership and they're struggling to find that again."

Edwards believes he fell out of favour with Als brass because of a goal-line fumble early in the fourth quarter of last year's Grey Cup.

Acquired by the Argos on Aug. 19, Edwards' role in the team's attack has increased, providing a ground game not seen with the Boatmen in several seasons. In the past three games, he has averaged 5.02 yards per carry.

"Robert will approach this game like any other game you play against a team that cuts you and has left you and has decided they can go on without you," Argos coach Michael (Pinball) Clemons said.

"He'll be ready. This is not just another game for him."

With four games remaining in the season, there is plenty at stake for both 7-7 teams the next two weeks, namely the shot at playing host to a home playoff game.

The Argos are riding a three-game win streak, their longest of the season, and are 7-1 under quarterback Michael Bishop.

Meanwhile, the Boatmen continue to juggle their offensive line with Glenn January replacing Steve Morley, who has struggled, at right tackle.

As well, receiver Marc Boerigter, who is nursing a finger injury, will be replaced by Chris Jackson.